Spaghetti Bake With Cottage Cheese Recipe
Spaghetti is among the most popular dishes in the world, and everyone has their own way of preparing it. When it comes to spaghetti bake, the possibilities are endless, and you can use a variety of different ingredients to make it. One ingredient that you might not expect to find in a spaghetti bake recipe is cottage cheese. However, the creamy, tangy taste of cottage cheese pairs perfectly with spaghetti, and this recipe is proof of that.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain it and set it aside.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, then drain off any excess fat.
- Add the jar of spaghetti sauce to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and stir until it is well coated with the sauce.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the spaghetti in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the cheese mixture with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the spaghetti bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
One of the best things about spaghetti bake is how versatile it is. You can switch up the ingredients to create a new flavor every time you make it. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Tex-Mex: Use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of spaghetti sauce, and add a can of black beans and a cup of corn to the cheese mixture.
- Alfredo: Use a jar of Alfredo sauce instead of spaghetti sauce, and add cooked chicken to the cheese mixture.
- Seafood: Use a jar of marinara sauce instead of spaghetti sauce, and add cooked shrimp or crab meat to the cheese mixture.
Conclusion
Spaghetti bake with cottage cheese is a delicious and comforting meal that is easy to make and sure to please. The creamy, tangy taste of cottage cheese pairs perfectly with spaghetti and adds a unique flavor to the dish. You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding different ingredients or trying out one of the variations listed above. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
